Volunteer playing with young boy at a daycare in Thailand.Caring for infants and children who are at-risk or have limited resources can have a lasting impact on a child's development. In the communities where we work, many babies and children are orphaned or abandoned because of HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, or other social issues. Children from underserved populations use daycare centers or other supplements to school while their parents are at work. However, these local community organizations offer much more than babysitting services—they offer safety, nutritional meals, learning opportunities, and continuous access to positive role models.
Provide One-on-One Attention
The children are always delighted to see new and smiling faces, and love the games, songs, and other activities volunteers organize. Holding infants, sharing affection, and providing individual attention is essential to the children’s development, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
These orphanages and daycare centers are chronically short-staffed, so volunteers provide that special one-on-one attention that the children would otherwise go without. Volunteers also offer an extra pair of hands to the organization’s staff by supporting daily routines, such as feeding, clothing, and playing with the children.
Examples of Volunteer Work
Caring for infants and children may include volunteering at an orphanage, crèche, day-care, or community center:
- Share your much-needed love with orphans in Russia
- Be a positive role model for street children in Morocco
- Play with toddlers while supporting the mamas (house-mothers) in Tanzania
- Volunteer in an early childhood development program in India
Whether you have a background in childcare or just enjoy caring for young children, a simple smile or hug can have a meaningful and long-term effect on a child. The only attributes needed for these placements are an open heart and a love of spending time with children.
Caring for Infants & Children placements are available in:
CCS volunteer placements are always designed with the community’s immediate requests and needs in mind. For that reason, we cannot guarantee specific volunteer placements. For more information read about our Placement Process.
